"..."
Nicolas Flamel fell silent again.
He had to take another good look at the little wizard in front of him, some emotions were hard to calm in his heart, and he muttered to himself, in his first year of encountering magic and alchemy, he had only learned Ancient Runes. How could there be someone who at this age has already begun researching that room Hufflepuff left at Hogwarts?
Your magic is already so impressive!
Where on earth do you find the time to study alchemy!
Nicolas Flamel's gaze finally settled on Ian's handsome face—he pondered for a long time but couldn't figure out which door of opportunity heaven had closed for this young wizard.
Isn't heaven supposed to be fair!
"When you grow up, your little brother will definitely be small," Nicolas Flamel suddenly blurted out. He admitted he was jealous, but more so, he firmly believed there was no such thing as a Hexagon Wizard in this world.
"?????"
Now it was Ian's turn to be confused.
He felt like Nicolas Flamel's "curse" was even more venomous than the previous one from Voldemort.
"Don't worry, if you ever face such troubles, alchemy can resolve related issues." Under Ian's wide-eyed gaze, Nicolas Flamel squatted down to look at Ian's manuscripts.
"So, Professor... I think I might have the qualification and honor to learn your alchemy?" Ian put on a somewhat restrained expression.
Nicolas Flamel's mood grew even more complicated as he lifted his head.
You have already researched Hufflepuff's Golden House, and you're still talking to me about qualifications for studying! If you're not qualified, then who in the wizarding world could possibly be!
"Of course, there's no problem. This may also become my honor." Nicolas Flamel took a deep look at Ian, his tone carrying unprecedented kindness.
The old wizard had seen the light.
Just like countless wizards through the ages yearning for an excellent apprentice, he also hopes to have someone who can look at the scenery ahead along the path he hasn't completed.
This young wizard is so extraordinary.
Isn't it just that heaven saw his plight and sent him a successor before he dies! Nicolas Flamel had taught many alchemists, but to this day, he hadn't found a true apprentice of his own.
"Perhaps he is the one..."
Nicolas Flamel's heart suddenly warmed.
However.
He was also curious, "Could you tell me why you want to replicate the Room of Requirement? To me, it doesn't seem like a particularly attractive endeavor."
Having such doubts, Nicolas Flamel also wanted to see Ian's pursuit of alchemy. He always upheld the concept of innovation rather than just completing masterpieces others have achieved.
"Because of the previous professor of alchemy, he told me that to follow him in learning alchemy, I first needed to thoroughly research the Room of Requirement."
Ian answered honestly.
All of a sudden.
Nicolas Flamel was bewildered again.
What kind of crazy alchemy professor would set such a barrier?
That's just pure trouble-making!
"I think he must have just been politely declining your request, yes, that must be the case... In fact, he himself may not have the skills and ability to replicate the Room of Requirement."
"It's just obvious that your previous professor didn't realize that you took his refusal seriously..." Nicolas Flamel gazed with some sentiment at the "innocent" young wizard before him.
He usually wouldn't belittle others, but when it comes to inheritance and apprentices, he still hoped to prevent the possibility of an apprentice being swayed away by someone else.
Of course.
Such a possibility, in Nicolas Flamel's view, was undoubtedly very low. After all, who else in the world could rival him in alchemy? Nicolas Flamel mostly wanted to teach Ian the harsh realities of human nature.
As an alchemist.
Being too naive won't do.
You might be deceived into doing hard labor in a shady workshop.
A bloody lesson!
"Ah? Is that so?"
Ian actually thought Nicolas Flamel was probably mistaken, but he also knew he shouldn't argue with this professor, so he could only blink with a slightly bewildered expression.
"That's right! It must be so! Your previous professor, I also inquired a bit with others, he's never been early nor late for class once."
"It's obvious he just views teaching as an ordinary job, and your request for help would merely be seen as adding to his workload."
"He's not like me. I'm always in my office, and even at night, you can come find me for help. After all, someone my age doesn't need much sleep quality." Nicolas Flamel took the opportunity to analyze Arthur King's character for Ian while putting down Arthur King and elevating himself.
A six-hundred-year-old man.
A world-renowned great alchemist.
Who would have thought he would have a hint of slyness to him?
"Nick, the previous professor of alchemy actually..."
Albus Dumbledore, who had walked back, hesitated a bit, but seeing Nicolas Flamel's passionate and indignant tone, he ultimately didn't interrupt his sly behavior.
Regarding some of Arthur King's views and ideas, Albus Dumbledore swallowed them back—after all, they were merely shocking speculations between him and Grindelwald.
"There's no 'actually'! I, the greatest alchemist of this century, Albus, do you think I don't have the skill to educate your student properly?"